The best part of fishing is when your line is in the water. Don’t overlook the many opportunities to get your family and friends together at a lake or stream in your neighborhood. You might be surprised at what Anoka County Parks Department and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are doing to maintain our waters, stock our local lakes, work with anglers to keep our natural resources in good condition, and establish docks, piers and shorelines for fishing opportunities.

Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) is a DNR program aimed at increasing angling opportunities, public awareness and environmental stewardship within the seven-county metro region. As the state’s population has become increasingly urbanized, it is evident that there is a growing need for easily accessible fishing opportunities close to where people live.

FiN builds on existing urban fisheries management activities such as stocking public water with game fish, lake aeration and enhancement of shore-fishing and pier-fishing opportunities. FiN promotes a greater awareness of aquatic habitat needs and the importance of good stewardship. By getting more people involved in angling, FiN will assure that this family-oriented activity continues to be one of Minnesota’s most popular pastimes!

Check out Anoka County area lakes with shorefishing access. And, check out the CAST kids fishing event and tournament at Lake George Regional Park on August 2, 2013 (9am to 1:30 pm). It takes only minutes to get a line in the water in your neighborhood.